Scars decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected surgical scar from removal of a sebaceous cyst is rated at 10 percent, and no higher. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of this level.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings in excess of 10 percent were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's residuals did not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Alzheimer's disease, basal cell carcinoma of the face, and scar secondary to basal cell carcinoma of the face. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed respiratory disorder and service-connected scar of the left first finger.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA joints examination to assess his left arm/wrist disability and scar. A VA spine examination will also be scheduled to determine if he has any diagnosed current low back disability related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for his service-connected hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma, status post excision with residual decalcification of bone and surgical scar. The RO granted the claim but assigned an initial 10 percent rating retroactively effective from July 25, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes at the lumbosacral junction, finding that these changes are presumed to have had their onset during active duty. The Veteran's other claims related to his inguinal hernia and scar remain under consideration.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain clarification of the VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran had ischemic heart disease, and to clarify whether his service-connected disabilities contributed to his death. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and left hand injury residuals are related to his period of service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for COPD associated with his pulmonary tuberculosis is being remanded due to further development needed. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause his death, as his primary causes of death were an acute stroke and aspiration pneumonia.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete compliance with a prior remand order. The Veteran's claims of service connection for cardiac, respiratory, and scar disabilities are inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection for a cardiac disability.

The Veteran's acne scars are found to be incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected scars of the right thumb and right fourth toe were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on the current criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a right groin keloid scar is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records and conduct further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding the presence of scars in the vicinity of both eyes, as well as a scar on the left side of his face.

The Veteran's left preauricular post cyst removal scar is rated at 10 percent since July 1, 2010. No higher rating is warranted for any period of time.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's residuals of a penetrating wound with muscle damage, anterior surface scar, left thigh.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for myasthenia gravis was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The initial 30 percent evaluation remains in effect.